Clayton Moore perhaps could never be dethroned as the best Lone Range EVER. Hokey as their episodes are I can still watch the old lone Ranger and Tonto galloping on Silver and Scout to help the oppressed.

That said, for a few years now, I have had this idea that we needed a Hollywood remake that adults would enjoy too. One that would get a Batman treatment for a darker, edgier Lone Ranger. This Lone Ranger would shoot to kill, instead of just shooting the guns out of the bad guys' hand. I really hope that Hollywood will not cop out on this.

During Disney's preview today in Hollywood, the studio questioned who could possibly play the titular character in its upcoming feature The Lone Ranger.

With that, Disney rolled out the USC marching band to come down and play the Ranger's theme song. This was followed by an appearance by Depp himself who took to the stage in full Captain Jack Sparrow attire...wearing The Lone Ranger's mask.

According to our Disney reps, Depp is officially signed to play Tonto and not the Lone Ranger as initially implied.

Exclusive: First Look At The Lone Ranger!
By Kellvin Chavez on September 09, 2009
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Jerry Bruckheimer recently said at the Licensing International Expo that development on "THE LONE RANGER" was going full steam ahead.

Not much is really known about "THE LONE RANGER" project except that Johnny Depp is attached to play TONTO and no director has been officially hired yet.

While promoting PUBLIC ENEMIES Depp told us,

"We're still in the super-beginning stages so there's all kind of possibilities, but I feel like I have some good ideas for the characters that are interesting, that I don't think have been done before"

What about the casting of The Lone Ranger? John Reid?

Hollywood Elswhere was the first to start off the rumor that a "guy who hears reliable things" said that Matthew McConaughey is the leading candidate to be Depp's mask-wearing kemosabe. Though McConaughey hasn't headlined an action flick since the 2005 flop Sahara.

We feel that casting McConaughey is a little too on the nose. Aaron Eckhart would be a solid choice.

Anyway, LatinoReview.com was able to take a look at the first draft by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio.

Always felt sorry for him, though. Never had a girlfriend. Never got a poke ... free or otherwise. Which is kinda strange when you take into account all the girlfolk he saved from rustlers and bandits and rogue injuns ... not to mention the tight, blue pants and the rather over-sized codpiece.

I hope they keep the opening with the music and that awesome intro piece about his fiery horse with the speed of light and clouds of dust and stuff. That was awesome.